
Rich, herby, and deeply savory, this compound butter is the kind of finishing touch that makes a simple steak, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread taste like something from a restaurant kitchen. Every ingredient here pulls its weight — bright lemon zest lifts the richness of the butter, fresh flat-leaf parsley adds color and a clean, grassy note, and the garlic brings that unmistakable depth. A pinch of red pepper flakes is optional, but highly recommended if you like a little heat sneaking in at the end. What makes this such a smart pantry staple is that it contains absolutely nothing you didn't put in it yourself. Store-bought flavored butters and spreads often sneak in sweeteners, and this recipe sidesteps all of that with nothing but whole, recognizable ingredients. Rolling it into a log and chilling it means you always have a ready-to-slice round on hand for weeknight dinners or impromptu entertaining. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to a week, or you can stash it in the freezer for up to two months so it's there whenever you need it.
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Learn more →8 servings







Place the softened butter in a mixing bowl and beat with a fork or hand mixer until smooth and evenly spreadable, about 1 minute.
Add the garlic, parsley, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using. Stir and fold until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the butter with no streaks.
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